University launches Strategic Vision to tackle society’s biggest challenges
President Lachemi called on students, faculty and staff to ‘discover your role in this new vision.’
Pledging to challenge convention, be unapologetically bold and foster even greater inclusion, Ryerson has launched its Strategic Vision to guide the university to new levels of success through 2030 and beyond.
At a virtual launch November 12, Ryerson unveiled a vision that calls on the university to “tackle some of society’s biggest challenges and nurture big ideas” that help improve lives on our campus, in our city and across the globe – with one of those immediate challenges being the impact of COVID-19.
“We will accelerate Ryerson’s momentum because the need for what we do has never been greater,” President Mohamed Lachemi said. “Our country will recover from the pandemic, but it will take education, talent, innovation and creativity, all things Ryerson is known for. Together we are developing the ideas and the talented people to help restore our economy and build for the future.”
The Strategic Vision can be found online, and a recording of the virtual event is online (external link) for those who missed it.
Citing the community consultations that were key to the development of the vision and thanking everyone who contributed, President Lachemi called on students, faculty and staff to “discover your role in this new vision. It is the work of all of us, and I encourage you to join us in this opportunity to build something truly great, together.”
The Strategic Vision affirms seven commitments for the university:
- engage communities
- cultivate well-being
- advance Indigenous initiatives
- foster a welcoming culture
- inspire culture and creativity
- take a global view
- build relevant skills
The commitments have their foundation in five values that drive the university forward, being unapologetically bold, intentionally diverse and inclusive, dedicated to excellence, respectfully collaborative and champions of sustainability.
Panel addresses what resonates most
The launch included a panel featuring Lisa Barnoff, dean of the Faculty of Community Services; Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students; Jenny O’Donnell, chief human resources officer; and President Lachemi, and was moderated by Krishan Mehta, assistant vice-president, engagement.
In the discussion, Dean Barnoff quoted a statement from the Strategic Vision that particularly resonated with her: “the most successful organizations are always in motion.”
“This is important because at Ryerson we have had such great success over the past few years and some people might think it’s time for us to rest. The Strategic Vision reminds us that we have great momentum and it is not time for us to rest, it is time for us to keep growing. We have work to do and we have contributions to make,” Dean Barnoff said.
In the Strategic Vision document, President Lachemi summarizes his vision for the university’s future: “Our journey to 2030 will be nothing short of transformative. Led by innovators and creators, Ryerson will challenge convention and be an agent of positive change through bold, inclusive and collaborative action.”